Producer Profiles

CAC Pangoa - Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa

The Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa (CAC Pangoa) is a cooperative of small coffee farmers located in San Martín de Pangoa, Peru. The majority of co-op members cultivate coffee plots between five and ten hectares. The cooperative promotes strong leadership and gender equality. The General Manager, Esperanza Dionisio Castillo, is well-known for her impressive cooperative management skills. The cooperative has been exporting its coffee to the European Fair Trade market since it became Fair Trade Certified in 2001. In 2003, CAC Pangoa made its first sale to the US market.

Quotable

“

With the Fair Trade Price, we hope to increase our organic production so we can improve and conserve our soil and as a result, increase our productivity. With increased revenues from Fair Trade sales, we plan to improve all technical aspects of our production. ”

Esperanza Castillo, General Manager

Programs

Leadership Training School

Members may participate in training courses, which can last four months. Course offerings include Cooperativism, Financial Management, and Organizational Administration.

Drying Station Maintenance

Keeping processing facilities in great working conditions can get expensive. CAC Pangoa improved its drying facility (fixed corrugated iron sheets, fencing, and netting) to allow members to work even if it rains.